PSYC FPX 3130 Assessment 3 Debunking the Brain Training Myth

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC-FPX3130 Criminal Psychology and Behavior

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Date

Introduction

Brain training involves engaging in structured mental exercises or games designed to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, learning, and problem-solving. This concept operates on the belief that, much like physical exercise strengthens the body, mental exercises can strengthen the brain. Common brain-training activities include logic puzzles, memory games, and cognitive challenges that require sustained concentration.

According to Futorjanski (2024), consistent participation in brain-training exercises can elevate one’s mental performance, leading to improved attention spans in children, better multitasking abilities in adults, and enhanced problem-solving capacities across all ages. The NeuroNation platform offers diverse cognitive games aimed at boosting intellectual capacity and maintaining optimal brain function. Regular engagement with these exercises has been found to stimulate both white and gray matter in the brain—white matter being responsible for communication between brain regions, and gray matter handling information processing.

However, it is important to note that the benefits of brain training are highly dependent on consistency and engagement. Occasional participation yields minimal results, whereas regular practice may lead to measurable improvements in cognitive agility and brain health (Futorjanski, 2024).

Myth Busting

Brain training has gained popularity among various age groups for its perceived cognitive benefits. Parents often encourage their children to participate in such activities to improve attention and manage ADHD symptoms. Adults turn to brain training to enhance focus and productivity, while older adults use these exercises to prevent cognitive decline associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

However, research has cast doubt on the actual effectiveness of these games for older adults. A review conducted in 2009 by Kathryn Papp at the University of Connecticut analyzed ten controlled studies published between 1996 and 2008. The results revealed no significant evidence that cognitive intervention programs could prevent or delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease among healthy elderly participants (Jarrett, 2014).

The credibility of Great Myths of the Brain by Christian Jarrett is well established, as Jarrett holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Manchester, and the book was published by John Wiley & Sons—one of the world’s most reputable academic publishers. The research discussed in the publication adheres to the five ethical principles set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2002).

Pickersgill et al. (2017) further highlighted that “the scientific basis for brain training can today perhaps best be regarded as inconclusive.” Their 2015 collaborative study with the Alzheimer’s Society, BBC, and the Medical Research Council examined the impact of brain-training games on older adults’ memory performance. Results demonstrated that individuals who played these games performed no better than those who spent equivalent time browsing informational websites like Wikipedia. This finding underscores that brain training may not have the generalized cognitive benefits often claimed by commercial platforms.

The journal article Prudence, Pleasure, and Cognitive Ageing (Pickersgill et al., 2017) is a credible and peer-reviewed publication, obtained through Capella University’s academic library. It is considered ethical and methodologically sound according to the APA’s ethical standards.

Summary of Major Findings

Study/Source	Year	Focus Area	Key Finding	Conclusion
Kathryn Papp (University of Connecticut)	2009	Elderly cognitive health	No evidence that brain training delays Alzheimer’s	Brain training not clinically effective for dementia prevention
Alzheimer’s Society, BBC & MRC	2015	Memory performance in older adults	No measurable improvement vs. web browsing	Effectiveness of brain games inconclusive
Jarrett (2014)	—	Cognitive neuroscience	Myth debunked—limited generalization	Brain games improve task-specific skills only

Brain and Body Intelligence

What distinguishes an intelligent brain from an average one? Is intelligence visible within brain structure or function? These questions have guided neuroscientists for decades. The posthumous examination of Albert Einstein’s brain revealed surprising findings. Although Einstein’s brain weighed less than the average adult brain and contained a comparable number of neurons, researchers discovered a higher ratio of glial cells to neurons in his left parietal lobe. Glial cells play a crucial role in supporting and protecting neurons, thereby enhancing communication efficiency within the nervous system (Garrett & Hough, 2022).

The connectivity between white and gray matter serves as the foundation of the brain’s communication network. White matter facilitates signal transmission between regions, while gray matter processes and integrates this information. The efficiency of these networks largely determines cognitive performance. Garrett and Hough (2022) emphasize that “white matter efficiency is one of the brain characteristics that is highly related to intelligence and educational achievement.”

Studies also indicate that individuals with higher IQs exhibit more efficient brain activity, requiring less energy to complete complex tasks. Conversely, individuals with mild intellectual disabilities demonstrate increased neural activity—approximately 20% more—when performing tasks that demand sustained attention. This suggests that intelligence may not simply be a function of brain size but rather the efficiency and coordination of neural communication (Garrett & Hough, 2022).

Comparison of Neural Efficiency

Cognitive Group	Neural Activity Required for Task Completion	Interpretation
High-IQ Individuals	Lower neural activity	More efficient brain processing
Individuals with Mild Intellectual Disability	20% higher neural activity	Less efficient neural communication

Conclusion

After reviewing the existing literature, it is evident that the statement “brain training makes you smarter” is largely a myth. While brain-training exercises can enhance performance on specific tasks through repetition and familiarity, these improvements do not typically extend to other cognitive domains or real-life scenarios. Essentially, players become better at the specific games they practice rather than universally improving their intelligence.

Although brain training can be mentally stimulating and enjoyable, it should be viewed as one of many tools for maintaining cognitive health—not as a guaranteed method for increasing intelligence. Regular engagement in diverse activities such as reading, problem-solving, social interaction, and physical exercise is more likely to foster long-term cognitive resilience.

References

American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychologist, 57(12), 1060–1073. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.57.12.1060

Futorjanski, J. (2024, April 10). Can brain games make you smarter? NeuroNation. https://www.neuronation.com/science/en/can-brain-games-make-you-smarter/

Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2022). Brain & behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Jarrett, C. (2014). Great myths of the brain. John Wiley & Sons.